There are lots of wonderful books about Scotland or written by Scottish authors. Here's are some ideas, perhaps others have more suggestions.
- Iain Banks Raw Spirit: The Search for the Perfect Dram--this book written by the late Iain Banks is wonderful. He was commissioned by an editor to go forth and try all the different whiskys in Scotland and then write about the experience. Iain surely talks about the whisky, but it's also about the places that he visits and the travel he takes to get there. Iain loved to drive and he'll tell you about some of the best roads in Scotland that people who like to drive need to experience.
- Nigel Tranter: He writes historical fiction about Scotland. The books range from Viking Scotland to Mary Stewart. He has a bit of a strange style, but he brings Scotland's history alive.
- Ian Rankin: Inspector Rebus is Rankin's detective who shows you the darker side of Edinburgh. I love these books. It's not only what you learn about contemporary Scotland, but they are good mysteries as well.
- Quintan Jardine: I first found his Bob Skinner books and then the Oz books. Both are contemporary mysteries based in Scotland. He's very different from Rankin, but I enjoy Bob Skinner and hope that he can survive in the new Scottish Police force. :)
- Lewis Grassic Gibbon Sunset Song: this novel was voted as Scotland's favorite novel one year. It explores Scottish identity in the 20th century.
- Paul Johnston: He writes interesting books about a future Scotland.
- Compton Mackenzie Whisky Galore: It was made into a movie, but the book is great. It takes place in west on Island during WWII and had to do with a lot of bottles of whisky.
- Sir Walter Scott: Well, he's the man. Author of Rob Roy, Ivanhoe, Fair Maid of Perth and more. Visit his home in the Borders.
- Robert Louis Stevenson: Kidnapped, Treasure Island, Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde. Need I say more?
- George MacDonald Fraser, Steel Bonnets: This is wonderful book about the Borders, that area where Scotland and England meet. It non-fiction, but reads like a story.
- James Hunter A Dance Called America: This is a wonderful book about the diaspora of Scotland. It focuses primarily on North America. If you think you know all about the Clearances, read this book to learn some more.
- Neal Ascherson Stone Voices: This is a great book for those interesting in the recent independence movement in Scotland. Ascherson is a nationalist and journalist and he introduces you to many of the ideas that have grown and developed in the last 75 years.
- George Mackay Brown: He's a poet and author and the voice of Orkney. It's a place you've likely not heard of, but you should.
- Andrew Grieg The Return of John McNab: Grieg has written several books, but I think this one introduces to a flavor and a story that is classic Scotland.
- Compton Mackenzie The Monarch of the Glen: There was a PBS (BBC Scotland) series based on this book. Both are wonderful How great is a dog named Useless?
What books can you add to this list?